Never had pumpkin as a dessert on its own? Forget about your classic pumpkin pie and make this Turkish Pumpkin Candy Dessert instead. It will be a hit with your family especially during the holiday season. Vegan, gluten-free and so easy to make! If you liked this recipe, please leave a ratng below.
Pistachios or walnuts for garnishcrumbled and optional
Instructions
Peel, wash and cut the pumpkin. Remove seeds and clean the fibrous parts out. Cut the pumpkin into desired wedge/cube sizes or rectangular pieces of about 1x2 inches (3x5 cm)
Place the pumpkin pieces and spices in a large heavy bottom pot, preferably a Dutch oven. The pot must be large because the maximum number of pumpkin pieces must touch the bottom in a single layer.
Sprinkle sugar and choice of spices if any over the pumpkin pieces.
Cover with lid and set aside overnight or at least 6 hours. Best results always overnight and especially so if using erythritol instead of sugar.
The pumpkin pieces will release their juice during the sitting time, so there is no need to add extra water while boiling it. If the juices do not almost cover the pieces, then add just a little water. I have never had to add any water.
Method 1
Place the pot with pumpkin cubes on stove and bring it to a boil on medium high heat. Once it starts to boil, immediately lower heat to medium low and leave uncovered.
Simmer until soft but not mushy. Let it cool completely in the same pot.
Method 2
Preheat oven at 180C/375F. Place the pumpkin cubes/slices on a baking pan in one layer. Pour the juice over pumpkin slices. Bake for 20-30 minutes until tender. Let it cool completely.
After pumpkin pieces have been Cooked.
Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container or covered dish. Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to an hour. Can be served hot too but most commonly served as a cold dessert.
Serve with a drizzle of tahini sauce OR a dollop of clotted cream OR creme fraiche. It's a matter of personal taste and diet preference.
You can optionally garnish it with crumbled pistachio or walnuts.
Notes
This dessert is so versatile, you can serve it with a choice or all of the suggested garnishig and toppings. It's just a matter of personal taste.If you are diabetic or need to watch your calorie intake :
substitute sugar with Erythritol or similar.
substitute clotted cream with creme fraich
Keyword candy, dessert, diabetic friendly, gluten-free, make ahead, Pumpkin, super easy, sweet, turkish, vegan, vegetarian
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